Mob Lynching in Chhapra: One Dead, One Critical, Over Cow Allegation

In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation, a Muslim man was lynched to death and his brother critically injured by a mob in Chhapra, Bihar, over allegations of cattle theft. The attack, which occurred on May 11 in the Khanua Mohalla of Ahitoli area under the Nagar police station limits in Saran district, underscores the alarming rise in mob violence and communal tensions in the region.

According to reports, brothers Zakir Qureshi and Nihal Qureshi were accused of stealing a cow after the animal was allegedly found in a nearby area called Kasai Toli (Butcher’s area). This discovery incited a mob of approximately 50–60 individuals who apprehended the brothers, tied them with ropes, and subjected them to a brutal assault using rods, sticks, bats, and wickets.

Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene where Zakir was mercilessly beaten, unable to stand, and pleading for his life. Videos of the assault have since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Aftermath and Medical Response

Both brothers were rushed to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH). Zakir succumbed to his injuries, while Nihal remains in critical condition, undergoing intensive medical care.

Community Response and Protests

The lynching sparked immediate outrage among residents of the Khanua area, leading to protests and clashes with the police. The community demanded swift action against the perpetrators and criticized the authorities for failing to prevent such a heinous act.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Following the incident, the Saran district police registered a case based on Nihal’s statement, invoking multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Kumar Ashish confirmed the arrest of two individuals, including the main accused, Pankaj Kumar and Mintu Rai. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects identified as Sujit Kumar, Prince Rai, and Pappu Rai.

Contradictory Police Statements

Initially, the police attempted to downplay the incident, labeling it as a personal dispute. However, the emergence of graphic video evidence contradicted this narrative, revealing the communal nature and severity of the attack.

Speaking to the FoEJ M,edia, Zakir’s cousin, Mohammad Haider Ali, shared that the two brothers were the sole breadwinners of the family. The family has four sons, the youngest being just 16 years old, who himself was previously subjected to a physical assault in a separate incident. Haider alleged that the police initially attempted to downplay the matter, possibly due to the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. However, following significant public outrage and the circulation of disturbing videos, the authorities were compelled to take action. Zakir’s father, he added, is elderly and unable to work, leaving the family in a vulnerable position.

National Outcry and Calls for Justice

The lynching has reignited debates over mob violence and minority safety in India. Activists and political leaders have condemned the attack, urging the government to take decisive action against those responsible and to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Mob Lynching of Muslims in Bihar: A Grim Pattern Over the Last 5 Years

Targeted Violence Under the Guise of Allegations — From Cattle Theft to Suspicion of Theft

1. May 2025 – Chhapra (Saran District)
   • Victim(s): Zakir Qureshi (killed), Nihal Qureshi (critically injured)
   • Allegation: Cow theft
   • Details: Two Muslim brothers were brutally lynched by a mob of 50–60 individuals in Ahitoli, Saran. The attack was triggered by the recovery of a cow in a Muslim neighborhood. Despite police attempts to downplay the incident, viral videos and public outrage forced arrests.

2. August 2023 – Araria District
   • Victim: Musharraf Alam (killed)
   • Allegation: Suspicion of stealing a goat
   • Details: A mob of locals from a neighboring village thrashed a 22-year-old daily wage laborer. He was tied to a pole and beaten with sticks. He succumbed to internal injuries hours later. No evidence of theft was ever established.

3. October 2022 – Sitamarhi District
   • Victim: Mohammad Naeem (killed)
   • Allegation: Cow slaughter during Eid-al-Adha
   • Details: Amidst communal tensions, a mob stormed a house where Eid rituals were being observed. Naeem, 40, was dragged out and lynched. Police filed an FIR but faced pressure from local Hindutva groups to weaken the case.

4. June 2021 – Katihar District
   • Victim: Salman Ansari (killed)
   • Allegation: Mobile phone theft
   • Details: A group of youth accused Salman of stealing a mobile phone. He was beaten unconscious in a crowded marketplace. The mob chanted communal slogans during the assault. He died in the hospital two days later.

5. September 2020 – Nalanda District
   • Victim: Arshad Qureshi (killed)
   • Allegation: Cattle smuggling
   • Details: While transporting cattle legally for Eid, Arshad was intercepted by a self-styled “gau raksha” group. Despite showing documents, he was beaten to death on the roadside. Police filed a delayed charge sheet with minimal arrests.

Notably, in many of these cases, FIRs were either delayed, inadequately framed, or prematurely closed. Investigations frequently reflected institutional bias or were influenced by local political pressures. As a result, justice remains largely out of reach for the victims’ families, further deepening their sense of loss and marginalization.